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“Persecute” vs. “Prosecute”: What’s the Difference?

Jun 7, 2023
Engram
A line illustration of two people with their mouth open, and a giant question mark between them.

The difference between “persecute” and “prosecute”

  • Persecution involves targeting someone for who they are, while prosecution targets someone for something they've done.
  • Persecution is often carried out by individuals or groups outside of the legal system, while prosecution is a formal legal process.
  • Persecution is a violation of human rights, while prosecution is an essential component of a functioning justice system.
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What is the definition of “persecute” and “prosecute”?

Persecute
  • To subject someone to hostility or ill-treatment, especially because of their beliefs or race.
  • Persecution may involve systematic harassment, arrest, or torture of an individual or group of people.
  • Persecution is often driven by a desire to control or eliminate a particular group or ideology.
Prosecute
  • To initiate legal proceedings against someone in order to hold them accountable for a crime.
  • Prosecution involves presenting evidence in court to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
  • If found guilty, the defendant may face fines, imprisonment, or other penalties.

Which is the more popular variant on the Internet?

“Prosecute” is the more popular variant on the web.
Persecute
4,940,000 results on the web
Examples
  1. She felt persecuted by her boss, who constantly belittled her work.
  2. The government's policy of persecuting religious minorities was widely condemned.
  3. Many immigrants in the country live in fear of being persecuted for their status.
More popular
Prosecute
32,100,000 results on the web
Examples
  1. The district attorney vowed to prosecute the suspect to the fullest extent of the law.
  2. The company was sued for negligence, and the plaintiffs sought to prosecute their case in court.
  3. The police officer was questioned about his decision not to prosecute a suspect in a high-profile case.
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